DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (June 11, 2014) – Iron Mike Promotions (IMP) is bringing “Judgment Day” to Miami as International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Lightweight Champion Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez (21-1-1, 1NC, 11 KOs) defends his world title Thursday night, July 10, in a rematch of a controversial fight last January against undefeated No. 1 contender Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (19-0, 1 NC, 12 KOs).
Barthlemy knocked out Mendez with punches illegally thrown after the bell ending the second round. Mendez’ promoter, IMP, appealed the decision and the fight was ruled a “no contest” with the IBF mandating a rematch. IMP won the IBF purse bid to promote Mendez-Barthelemy II, which will air July 10 on Fox Sports I live from American Airlines Arena in Miami.
“You don’t always get a second chance to correct a mistake, but we were able to get Argenis a rematch,” promoter “Iron” Mike Tyson said. “Hopefully, he will take advantage of this opportunity.”
The 27-year-old Mendez, fighting out of Brooklyn, was a 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian. He had an incredible 238-13 amateur record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the prestigious Pan-American Games, as well as winning a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships. Mendez captured the IBF crown March 9, 2013, stopping defending champion Juan Carlos Salgado in the fourth round.
Warriors Boxing-promoted Barthelemy, also 27, is a former Cuban Junior National Champion who lives in Miami. He became Mendez’ original mandatory challenger by way of a second-round knockout of Fahsai Sakkreerin last June.
World light heavyweight contender Humberto “El Don” Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs) will face a top opponent to be determined in the co-feature. Savigne is rated No. 3 in world by the World Boxing Council (WBC). The Cuban native, who now lives in Miami, is riding a 10-fight win streak, resulting in three regional title belts in his collection: World Boxing Organization (WBO Latino, World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin and WBC FECARBOX.
Also scheduled to fight on the Fox Sports I show is welterweight sensation Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (5-0, 5 KOs), who was considered Team USA’s No. 1 overall prospect for the 2016 Olympics prior to him signing an exclusive promotional contract with IMP last October 1 on his 18th birthday. Now living in Miami, as an amateur, the exciting southpaw was the 2012 National PAL Champion.
